364 ACROSS GREENLANDsuch things than he actuaUy needed to keep himgoing. But the time of our departure drew near, and webegan by degrees to make our preparations. A mannow came up to us and asked whether we weregoing northwards. At our answer in the affirmativehis face brightened amazingly, and it proved thathe was bound in the same direction with his party,to whom he went at once and announced the news.The camp was now a scene of lively confusion, and,while we and the Eskimo vied with one another in ourhaste to strike our tents, launch our boats, and stowour goods, the dogs, who well knew what was in pro¬gress, expended their energy in a howling competition. As the tent we had spent the preceding eveningin was going southwards, it was necessary that weshould go and make some return for the presents wehad received. So with a number of empty meat-tinsI went in and found a party of half-naked mentaking a meal. I gave them one each, whichdelighted them hugely, and some of them at onceshowed their intention of using them as drinking-vessels. Outside I found the possessor of the rifle,who again urged upon me the fact that he had noammunition for it. But when I presented him witha large tin instead he expressed perfect contentmentand gratification.